Protein powder is a love-it-or-hate-it type of thing. Many people involved in the fitness community swear by protein power, but is it right for you? And what kind of protein powder is best? 

When you can optimize your protein intake, you can also make a huge difference in your weight loss progress. Nutrition is a huge part of decreasing overall body fat percentage and protein powder can really help with both increasing protein you eat but also decreasing the overall amount of calories you are consuming as well. 

Eating More Protein Can Help You Lose Weight 

Even if you follow the calories-in, calories-out rule for weight loss and eating, you may not see the results you want. Although you may be eating fewer calories and staying in a caloric deficit, eating the right foods — and the right kinds of foods — can supercharge your progress. Many people just focus on the calorie number without considering the role macronutrients, specifically protein, play in weight loss. 

One of the biggest ways protein helps you lose weight is keeping you fuller longer. When we eat carbohydrates, our body breaks them down quickly. However, eating more protein keeps you full because the more protein you eat, the more appetite reducing hormones — like GLP-1 — you produce. 

In addition, if you are strength training, eating more protein can help you bulk faster. This is important, because muscle uses a lot of energy, even when resting. This, in turn, increases your metabolism so you will burn more calories even at rest. 

According to scientists, eating more protein than the daily recommended amount per day can not only reduce body weight, but also helps you achieve a better body composition by decreasing fat, while preserving other body mass. 

These reasons show that eating more protein can help you lose more weight.

Whey Protein vs. Plant-based Protein

Choosing the right protein powder is important, because not all protein powders are created equal. 

Many people like to choose a whey-based protein powder because whey is considered a complete protein, containing all nine amino acids. This means it contains all the amino acids the body needs so it is properly nourishing. Whey protein is the best option if you can tolerate dairy products and don’t have other dietary restrictions that may prevent you from consuming it. 

If you have a dairy allergy or just prefer plant-based alternatives, then choosing a plant-based protein powder is the best way to go. Plant-based protein powders are made of several different sources, but the most common are soy protein, pea protein, and hemp protein. There are two things to pay attention to when looking at plant protein powders: protein per scoop and amino acids.

Plant proteins typically contain less protein per scoop than whey proteins, so you may need more protein powder to hit your goals. Additionally, not all plant proteins contain all nine amino acids. Be on the lookout for protein powders labeled “complete” proteins. 

Incorporating Protein Powder Into Your Diet 

Now that you know you need to consume more protein, you need to figure out how to add it into your diet. An easy way to add protein powder into your diet is protein powder. 

Most protein powders contain 10-30 grams per scoop, making them an easy addition to your daily nutrition. Once you find one you like, you will just need to work on adding it to your diet to help you achieve your weight loss goals. 

Protein powder is incredibly versatile. If you need a quick fix of protein, you can just mix 1-2 scoops of your preferred protein powder with water. To boost the simple shake, use milk instead of water. Drink this easy protein shake after an intense workout or as a mid-day protein boost snack. 

We like working protein powder throughout the day to control hunger levels with low calorie intake. Many people also use protein powder shakes as a meal replacement for breakfast or lunch, especially if they are intermittent fasting. If you choose to do this, just make sure you are getting enough nutrients later in the day. 

You can also add protein powder to smoothies with other protein rich ingredients like oats and peanut butter, or make protein pancakes and muffins to start your day off right with a high protein breakfast. 

Since protein powder makes it so easy to get added protein in your diet, your weight loss goals will be well within your reach. 

ZOZOFIT Can Help You Power Up Your Fitness 

After incorporating protein powder into your daily regimen to help you reach your fitness goals, be sure to check out how the ZOZOFIT app can help you stay on track as you continue to work hard. Not only can you scan your entire body in less than two minutes, but you can monitor body fat percentage, assess your booty shape and more when you use ZOZOFIT.